The following mechanism has been proposed for a complex reaction: . Step 1: (slow). Step 2: (fast). — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question
Question
The following mechanism has been proposed for a complex reaction: $2A + B \rightarrow D + E$. Step 1: $A + B \rightarrow C + D$ (slow). Step 2: $A + C \rightarrow E$ (fast). What is the rate law expression for the overall reaction?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
The overall rate of a complex reaction is determined by its slowest step, also known as the Rate Determining Step (RDS). The slow step here is $A + B \rightarrow C + D$. Since this step acts as an elementary reaction for the rate law, the rate depends on the reactants of this step: $\text{Rate} = k[A]^1[B]^1$.
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